8 Months Old (yes - I know this is late...)
Keegan with his nanny, DanielleWhile relaxing on the beach with a good friend last week, we started talking about how nice it is that everywhere we go, people are so happy to see our little ones. In Nigeria, every where you go, no matter how grumpy or unfriendly someone may seem, the moment they lay eyes on your baby they burst out in a big smile and they start cooing, clapping and what not.
In North America, children can sometimes be seen as a burden or annoying to those who do not have children (ie. a misbehaving child in Walmart!). One certainally wouldn't get the same response as here, the children are almost expected to act out and everyone loves them for it.
In North America, children can sometimes be seen as a burden or annoying to those who do not have children (ie. a misbehaving child in Walmart!). One certainally wouldn't get the same response as here, the children are almost expected to act out and everyone loves them for it.
Speaking to young women here about having children is also very different, so many of them are excited and look forward to the day they may conceive and have their own. When asked "Do you have children?" most women respond "Not yet! But I want plenty, still need to find a husband first..." This attitude is in stark contrast to North America where the typical single, young professional woman would often answer "Me? No way! Not for a loooong time!" At least that is how I used to respond! Young people in the West typically see having children as life haulting and fun stopping. We don't see children for what they really are, a great joy, blessing and fullfilling! We focus so much on our careers and paychecks, we don't see having a family as something that helps us move up on the coorporate or social ladder. I guess this experience in Nigeria and having the opportunity to have our son here has really shown us the value of family and how rewarding it is to us as people, even if it will impact the pocketbook a bit.
I will truely miss how excited people become when they see Keegan. It is a real icebreaker, strangers come up and talk to you and the baby, and you learn about their family or their wishes to have one. It is great to take Keegan out for a walk and so many people are happy to greet him. We will miss that.
